As the economy continues its slow recovery, a chronic frustration festers. Many employers report difficulties finding skilled employees, despite high unemployment levels. The skills deficit was noted again in a recent report on Ohio by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

The Cleveland Fed found hiring slow in the manufacturing sector, adding that those firms that were hiring had difficulty recruiting professionals and highly skilled production workers. …

In setting priorities for the year, John Kasich rightly has reaffirmed a commitment to couple the state’s educational system with workforce development. Fortunately, the governor can build on the work of his predecessor, Ted Strickland.

One goal is to improve graduation rates at public-supported universities, increasing the state’s attractiveness to high-tech, high-growth employers. Kasich also correctly sees the need to align the state’s entire educational system with existing work opportunities.

That means more industry partnerships with community colleges, a greater use of vocational and co-op programs and realigning training programs to operate more effectively.

More than anything, the harsh recession has provided a brutal reminder of the long-term transformation of Ohio’s economy. Meeting the challenge requires providing companies with the skilled workers they need, so all can prosper.

Akron Beacon Journal

 

Romney may be running away with the GOP bid

Mitt Romney is two for two in the 2012 Republican presidential nominating process. On Tuesday, as expected, Romney … bested five challengers in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary balloting.

Romney’s glide to victory, although predictable, was an important win, adding to his momentum toward the nomination and likely to encourage more Republican voters to accept his candidacy and focus on attempting to defeat President Barack Obama in the general election.

Absent a major campaign gaffe or a unified anti-Romney presence that deals him a surprise defeat in the South Carolina primary Jan. 21, Romney more than likely will be the Republican nominee. …

New Hampshire was the second stop of this year’s GOP presidential campaign trail after the Iowa Caucuses, in which Romney prevailed by eight votes over Rick Santorum.

Romney’s victory marked the first time a GOP presidential candidate, other than an incumbent president, has won in Iowa and New Hampshire. …

Speaking to an excitable crowd of supporters after he was projected the winner Tuesday night, Romney’s remarks sounded like he was already running in a general election campaign. The focus of the election, he said, will be the “disappointing record of a failed president.” …

Romney’s campaign momentum seems unstoppable. Conservatives may have lost their chance to elect an alternative, and those critical of Romney’s record may have to live with that. The primaries this month in South Carolina and Florida will decide.

The Lima News